Now that we are in the dog days of the summer, there is not much to report on in the college football world. This means that in the coming weeks and months, there will be lots of polls, lists and rankings being released, along with hopefully some bright spots in the world of recruiting.

It’s also a good time to talk about players and what their futures hold.

The Oregon Ducks have had an alarming number of players leave the team via the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, but thankfully, they still have a lot of intriguing talent left on the roster. Matt Miller and Jordan Reid of ESPN ranked their top five prospects at each position ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, and multiple Ducks made the list. 

Here are how the Ducks panned out on this version of a 2026 big board for the two ESPN writers.

Makhi Hughes – No. 3 

Reid left Makhi Hughes off his list of top running backs, but Miller placed him third. The former Tulane Green Wave star will be entering his first year with Oregon and seems primed for stardom. In just two collegiate seasons, Hughes has scored 22 touchdowns and registered nearly 2,800 rushing yards. With the Ducks, he’ll be running behind one of the better offensive lines in the nation, so there is a chance Hughes has a season for the ages. 

Kenyon Sadiq – No. 1 and No. 3 

Reid and Miller ranked Kenyon Sadiq first and third respectively on their list of the top five tight ends for 2026. He has had little opportunity to showcase his talent in his college career, but entering his junior season, there appears to be a clear path to playing time and increased reps. Sadiq is one of the quickest and most athletic players at his position which is bound to give opposing defenses nightmares. 

Isaiah World – No. 3 

Isaiah World was ranked at No. 3 on Reid’s list of best offensive tackles. The Nevada transfer is considered one of the top tackle prospects in this year’s draft class and he looks to prove why this season in Eugene. World is one of the tallest players in football history, being listed as 6-foot-8 and weighing an enormous 315 pounds. He has the size and skills to develop into the best lineman in all of college football. 

Emmanuel Pregnon – No. 5  

Reid has Emmanuel Pregnon sitting fifth on his list of the top guards in the nation. He would likely be rated higher, but he is still a raw prospect who needs a little seasoning. He is incredibly nimble which is necessary for the guard position and is thought to have a high motor. The Ducks have a solid track record of developing offensive lineman, so there is no reason why Pregnon can’t follow that path. 

Iapani Laloulu – No. 2 and No. 3 

Iapani Laloulu is believed to be one of the best centers in college football, so Miller and Reid ranked him accordingly, placing him at No. 2 and No. 3 on their lists respectively. The Hawaii native is a jack of all trades, being a stout run and pass blocker. He did not allow a single sack last season and only gave up 10 pressures. Center is arguably the most important piece of the offensive line because of the continuity they allow for, so Laloulu should help Oregon to have one of the best offensive lines again this year. 

Dillon Thieneman – No. 2 and No. 3 

Dillon Thieneman has been a star since he began his collegiate career, so it’s not surprising Reid and Miller ranked him so highly. He made a name for himself as a ballhawk with the Purdue Boilermakers, intercepting six passes in his first season and recording seven passes defensed last year. He also isn’t afraid to get dirty as he has registered over 200 combined tackles at Purdue. He now looks to continue his dominance this year with Oregon. 

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